A former Tasmanian representative rower, Deane helped his state to a famous footballing victory over South Australia in 1923. Later that year he suffered a ruptured liver and for several weeks his life remained in the balance, but he returned to the game in 1924 and was selected for the interstate carnival. He was signed by Melbourne at the conclusion of the carnival.

Deane missed the start of his first VFL season rowing for Tasmania, and when he finally returned to Victoria legend has it that fans who had been promised the debut of a champion Tasmanian player cheered a wonderful performance by the player alloted number 33. After the game they were shocked to find out than it was actually Jack Cannan in 33 because Deane was unable to play. Next week they were treated to the real thing, and true to Cannan's performance the week before Deane was one of the Redlegs best - goalling with his first kick in league football.

A fine all-round sportsman, he missed the start of the 1925 VFL season due to his selection in the King's Cup rowing crew representing Victoria. That year he represented the Victorian B-Side, eventually graduating to the full team in 1930. He was renowned as a quick runner, a beautiful kick and quality mark.

A premiership player, Deane had a spell in New Zealand during 1931 before returning to captain/coach the Melbourne Seconds to a premiership in 1932.

After making it to the last three on the shortlist to replace Ivor Warne-Smith as senior coach for 1933 he lost out to Checker Hughes and instead took up an offer to become St. Kilda's playing coach. Three games into the season he retired as a player and at the end of that year, with 6 wins from 18 starts, he left the Saints.